The Kwento Thesis is a visual depiction of the human experience - memories, reflections, knowledge of self and the power of story. Though there are no limitations to the power of story, it is important to state that the art presented here are from One in the discipline of humanities. Forward motion, future Movement. The Kwento Thesis is about that.

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE - ORIGINS

Born and raised in San Diego, California during the late 70’s-early 80’s, I couldn’t tell you a thing about Filipino heritage. What I could tell you is that in 1982 the San Diego Padres Baseball Club won the National League Championship, when Steve Garvey hit a two run home run (Tony Gwynn was on first) in the 9th inning of Game 4 against the Chicago Cubs. Why is it that I remembered random sports trivia but knew nothing of my heritage? To a culture that places an emphasis on the importance of education, I found this curious and set out to gain this knowledge. The insight gained from history helped me understand my Own Self better, who my ancestors were and where we stand in time.

In the 15th century the Spanish were in the business of colonialism. Their main objective was to demonize the culture of the original people, convert their religious beliefs to Christianity, extract resources from the land in the name of their God and ship the riches back to Spain. In 1519, the Spaniards sent a Portuguese mercenary by the name of Ferdinand Megellan to invade the archipelago that would later be named the Philippines. Lapu Lapu was the Datu of Mactan. The Datu refused to bow down to the Spanish Crown and killed Magellan and his men.

CHAPTER TWO - STAY TUNED

CHAPTER THREE - OUTSIDERS

In the mid 70s, my father received orders to 32nd street Naval Station in San Diego, CA. The nearby neighborhoods of Paradise Hills and later Bay Terraces were popular areas for first generation Filipino servicemen to raise their families.

There were harsh realities in South East San Diego. Many neighborhoods were plagued with drugs, gang rivalries, and violence. Here, the Filipino families began a dynamic with the longstanding Black and Mexican communities. Like many first generation immigrant families experience, Filipinos lacked connection to the community and responded forming connections with one another. By the late 90's, what it boiled down to was conflict in the streets. In these times, the neighborhood was all we had. This scene was the backdrop to where I came of age.

CHAPTER ONE: ORIGINS

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BARREL OF MACTAN HAS ARRIVED!

Watermoon Studios and the Kwento Thesis are proud to bring to you the Barrel of Mactan vinyl collectable.

The Barrel of Mactan pays homage to the first Filipino hero, Lapu Lapu, who heroically defended the Philippine archipelago by slaying the Spanish invader Ferdinand Magellan during the Battle of Mactan in 1521 A.D.

This 4.5" figure is a limited edition of 100 and is yours for $45. Spring into action and purchase yours now!

The Barrel of Mactan has arrived!

Click SHOP below for purchase.

CHAPTER THREE: OUTSIDERS

Bay Terraces

When the 54 Freeway was called South Bay Highway

it had four lanes with no center divider

Before there was a bridge,

and Briarwood came to an end

You had to walk through a trench

and cross the crosswalk into Bonita.

Head back up towards the canyon on your BMX

Hit some ramps on the way to Antonino's Pizza

(before it was Mama Tina's.)

Put your quarters up and call next on Street Fighter II

Or back further when Ralph's was still Safeway

They had Double Dragon

You always chose to use the red dude

Buy some purple sour licorice at Rhythm n Rap

Pick up the newest cassette single

cause it's the summertime

Throw rocks in that pool by the park

and if nobody is looking,

Jump the fence and take a dip

Head down to the two-story McDonald's

Hamburgers for a quarter

Or some Crazy Bread at Little Ceasars

Walk across Paradise Valley towards the Water Tower

To visit that one homegirl you had your eye on.

But be careful not to get jumped by them older cats that live down the street